---
term: "Decentralized identifier (DID)"
category: "Agent identity (KYA)"
url: https://agenticopenfinance.com/glossary/decentralized-identifier
source: AgenticOpenFinance glossary
---

# Decentralized identifier (DID)

> A W3C identifier the controller creates and controls, resolving to a document that lists keys and endpoints.

A decentralized identifier, or DID, is a type of identifier defined by the W3C that its controller can create and control without depending on a central registry. A DID resolves to a DID document listing verification methods, such as public keys, and service endpoints. DIDs are often used to identify the issuers and holders of verifiable credentials, and could identify agents, although in finance they are usually combined with a trust framework that says whose identifiers to accept.

Related terms: [Verifiable credential](https://agenticopenfinance.com/glossary/verifiable-credential.md), [European Digital Identity Wallet](https://agenticopenfinance.com/glossary/digital-identity-wallet.md), [Know Your Agent (KYA)](https://agenticopenfinance.com/glossary/know-your-agent.md), [HTTP Message Signatures](https://agenticopenfinance.com/glossary/http-message-signatures.md)